PWD staff at work to replace the damaged water pump at the Kuinamol water project in Kalay.
SANGUEM
After being hit by acute water shortage for four days due to a malfunctioning water pump at the Kuinamol water project, residents in Kuinamol, Chanimol, Costi and surrounding areas of Kalay village had some relief after the PWD replaced the damaged water pump on Saturday evening.
Due to a lack of water supply in the affected areas, villagers were forced to travel about 4 kms to Kuinamol to fetch water on their two-wheelers.
The repair work undertaken by the department is expected to restore regular water supply to the affected households from Sunday morning as it takes several hours to get the tank filled before it reaches the second pump installed at a higher location in the village.
However, concerns have been raised by local residents regarding the nature of the replacement.
According to villager Adv. Amar Naik, the PWD has installed a “regular old pump” instead of a new one, despite their demand for a new installation.
Locals claim that this old pump is also prone to frequent breakdowns, leading to water supply disruptions every three to four months. This raises questions about the long-term reliability of the restored water supply.
Taking cognizance of this recurring issue, Naik said the problem of irregular water supply will be placed for discussion at the upcoming Gram Sabha meeting on Sunday.
Furthermore, Naik has also highlighted the need for the construction of a new water tank in the village and the replacement of the old pump at the old tank with a new and more reliable pump.
